Research and training

Research is carried out in the Northern Ostrobothnia Hospital District extensively across many disciplines and in certain disciplines we aim at international top level. Research activities also produce direct and indirect health benefits, which can contribute to reduction of overall healthcare costs.

Research helps to maintain and increase the professionalism and competence of the health practiotioners so that they can act as experts and leaders in their respective areas of the organisation. Research will also create new knowledge and offers a possibility to review standard health care practices and to enable introduction of new diagnostic or therapeutic methods. In addition, research facilitates emergence of health care innovations and inventions and has a positive contribution to attraction and retention of special experts at the University Hospital.

The Medical Research Center Oulu (MRC) is a partnership organisation established by Oulu University Hospital and the University of Oulu, tasked with facilitating high-quality clinical research, the adoption of new technologies, and internationalisation in the field. The MRC participates in the development of doctoral training in the field and implements its own programmes in support of research and training. Other international top operators are welcome to join the MRC partnership organisation. OYS also engages in research co-operation with other universities, universities of applied sciences, and centres of innovation.

Northern Finland Biobank Borealis was established in 2015 by five Northern Finland hospital districts, University of Oulu and NordLab. It has a collection of biological samples and data, which can be used for a variety of future research needs. Research results are returned to the biobank, thus enriching its data set. Borealis closely collaborates with MRC Oulu, the Finnish national biobank network BBMRI.fi and the Biobanks Finland co-operative FINBB.

The objective of the national HTA coordination unit (FinCCHTA) is to coordinate Health Technology Assessment (HTA) in Finland as well as to cooperate with international HTA bodies. Other key objectives are to develop HTA methodological training and strengthen its related research.

Students are a familiar sight in the hallways of OYS, since training healthcare professionals is one of the primary duties of university hospitals. Fulfilling this obligation is a pleasure. It represents an investment for the future, since well-implemented training secures the availability of competent professionals.

Healthcare colleges and the university are responsible for the theoretical education of students. Students start participating in practical care work very soon after the beginning of their studies. This training takes place under the guidance and supervision of experienced personnel.